Connecticut Focuses On Offshore Wind

The current population of the state of Connecticut is estimated to be 3.59 million people. In February 2019, state utilities used natural gas (49.6%), nuclear energy (46.9%) and renewable energy (3.5%) to generate electricity. Biomass, solar energy and hydropower are the primary sources of renewable energy in Connecticut.

Connecticut reliance on nuclear energy contributes to state’s high electricity costs. In February 2019, the average cost of electricity in Connecticut was U.S. 22.8 ¢ per kWh, which is the 4th most expensive price in the United States. The average price of electricity in the United States is 12.5 ¢ per kWh. Concerns about climate change have prompted Connecticut legislators to pass legislation that will accelerate the development of new renewable energy projects.

In a near-unanimous bipartisan vote, the Connecticut Senate has passed a bill that will mandate the procurement of 2,000 MW from offshore wind farms. The bill will now go to Governor Ned Lamont for the final approval. Governor Lamont is been a consistent champion for the development of offshore wind off the coast of Connecticut.

Connecticut utilities have already committed to procure 300 MW from the Revolution wind farm. The operator of the Revolution wind farm is the Danish energy company, Ørsted. Connecticut utility Eversource and Ørsted have formed a joint venture, Bay State Wind to develop an offshore wind hub in New London, Connecticut.

Connecticut, like Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island are now aggressively pursuing offshore wind. These states recognize that offshore wind can replace fossil fuels and eventually nuclear power. If only the west coast states were to finally act on developing offshore wind.

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